An environmental emergency refers to an immediate threat to public health or the well-being of the environment, often resulting from the release of oil, hazardous materials, or toxic chemicals into the air, land, or water. Notable examples of such emergencies include:
- Oil and chemical spills
- Hazardous materials incidents
- Accidents leading to pollutant releases
The Environmental Emergency Management Program, managed by the Department of Energy and Environment, is responsible for coordinating responses to these emergencies, as well as investigating and provide guidance on managing chemical releases on both public and private properties. The EEMP collects incident reports from DOEE programs, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), State and Federal agencies, along with the residents of the District of Columbia.
If you witness or are involved in an environmental emergency that poses an immediate threat to public health, please call 911 or contact the National Response Center for assistance.
Reporting an Emergency:
Dial 911 for any incident that threatens life safety. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) is the District’s first response agency for hazardous materials releases.
Call the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802. Types of events that require NRC reporting include but are not limited to:
- Chemical spills
- Petroleum-based spills on land greater than 25 gallons (or potential > 25 gallons)
- Spills into a waterway or storm drain (any amount)
- Spills that are uncontrolled, still leaking, or require assistance
- Spills requiring any state/federal notifications
- All SARA/EHS/CERCLA releases
- All spills requiring evacuation
- Radiation releases
- Biological discharges
NRC reporting is available to anyone, businesses or residents, 24 hours a day. The NRC alerts relevant response agencies, including DOEE, from the jurisdiction where the spill occurred. For regulated businesses, your operating permit may require you to notify another DOEE program as well.
After the spill is under control, contact District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency at 202-727-6161, DOEE’s Hazardous Waste Branch at 202-671-3308, and/or any other entity required by permit.
Report Illegal Dumping to DPW: Call 311 or visit 311.dc.gov to report illegal dumping on District lands. If possible, include the following information:
- Location of the dump site (street, alley, vacant lot, etc. with address if possible)
- Place and time of dumping
- Description of the materials
- Make, model, and license tag of vehicle used to transport the material
- For more information on illegal dumping and the SWEEP program, visit the DPW website.
What is an environmental emergency versus an environmental violation?
An environmental violation arises when an action or condition fails to comply with established environmental laws or regulations. Residents and businesses should report such violations using the non-emergency communication methods outlined in the following section. Examples of environmental violations include, but are not limited to:
- Emissions, including smoke, from local industrial facilities.
- Tampering with vehicle emission control or air conditioning systems.
- Illegal dumping into storm drains.
- Improper treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste.
- Exceeding pollutant limits at wastewater treatment plants.
- Unpermitted dredging or filling of waterways and wetlands.
- Any unpermitted industrial activities.
- Late-night dumping or other criminal acts, such as falsifying reports or documentation.
An environmental violation can escalate into an emergency when a sudden release poses a threat to public health. Such emergencies may arise from transportation accidents, incidents at facilities utilizing or producing chemicals, as a result of natural or man-made disasters. If you witness or are involved in an environmental emergency that threatens public health, it is imperative to contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.
Non-Emergency Environmental Concerns:
For general environmental concerns, or to report violations, you can notify DOEE through 311, calling DOEE main office line during business hours (202) 535-2600, or email DOEE at [email protected].
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